Plastic dispenser apparatus

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus for dispensing plastic bags. In one embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus comprises a base panel, at least first and second side panels, each having a substantially linear edge and a substantially nonlinear edge and each rotatably connected to the base panel along the respective substantially linear edges, a fastening mechanism for securing the first side panel to the second side panel along at least a section of the substantially nonlinear edges of each panel, and an aperture created at the junction of the substantially nonlinear edges of the first side panel and the nonlinear edge of the second side panel. In another embodiment, a plastic dispensing apparatus further comprises a means for preventing rolling by a living hinge situated along at least one of the first and second side panels are connected to the base panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/864,595, filed on Nov. 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus which can be refilled and stored easily and is used to dispense plastic bags one-at-a-time.

2. Description of the Related Art

Plastic bags have achieved widespread use in the world in the past few decades. Typically, plastic bags have been sold by rolls in boxes, from which they are unraveled and dispensed. Many times, when taking a bag from the box, more than one bag will dispense leaving extra loose bags outside of the box. An attempt may be made to put the bag back in the box; however, more often than not, this leads to a disorganized mess of plastic bags. This problem may be alleviated by using a plastic bag dispensing apparatus.

Known plastic dispensers fall short in their ability to readily store, supply and provide access to plastic bags, sheeting, or the like, in an effective manner. For example, many known dispensers are bulky and incapable of being stored in tight spaces. Furthermore, they have a non-ergonomic design, have narrow dispensing slots, are difficult to refill and dispense one-at-a-time, among many other drawbacks.

Therefore, a need exists for a plastic dispenser apparatus having improved storing, dispensing and refilling capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus for dispensing plastic bags. In one embodiment of the present invention, a plastic dispenser apparatus comprises a single piece of deformable molded plastic. In another embodiment, a plastic dispenser apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical clam shell having a non-round back section to prevent rolling. In yet another embodiment, a plastic dispenser apparatus comprises an aperture providing accessibility to a roll of plastic product and allowing easy separation along tear lines of the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an end view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is described herein by way of example using several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternatives. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including, but not limited to.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plastic dispenser apparatus for dispensing products such as bags, sheeting, and the like.

FIG. 1 depicts a plastic dispenser apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A plastic dispenser apparatus 100 generally comprises a body 102 and an opening 104. In one embodiment, the opening is centrally provided in the body 102 of the plastic dispenser apparatus 104. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a non-central opening 104, for example, closer to a first end 106 of the body 102, or encompassed in a first end 106 of the body 102.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the opening 104 may extend from the first end 106 of the body 102 to a second end 108. In one embodiment, an opening 104 comprises a mouth portion 202 and a seam portion 204. The mouth portion 202 allows a user to easily access a product (not shown) inside the apparatus 100. The seam portion 204 may extend as long as a length of the product. In one embodiment, the mouth portion 202 is substantially oval. Other embodiments provide a mouth portion 202 substantially in the shape of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, or any other shape feasible for embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that the mouth portion 202 and seam portion 204 align, to provide the appearance of a single open region in the body 102 of the plastic dispenser apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a plastic dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the plastic dispenser apparatus is provided with a flared edge 302 surrounding the opening 104. The flared edge 302 extends outward from the body 102 of the plastic dispenser apparatus 100. One embodiment provides a flared edge 302 having a slightly outward taper, to provide a “clam-shell” appearance, as shown. Other embodiments of the present invention provide rounded, flat, hemmed, or pointed edges. One embodiment of the present invention provides a flared edge 302, continuing around the first end 106 and second end 108 of the plastic dispenser apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 depicts an end view of a plastic dispenser apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, a plastic dispenser apparatus 400 comprises a single piece of deformable molded plastic. In such an embodiment, the body 402 of plastic dispenser apparatus 400 comprises a base section 404, and two hinged side sections 406, 408. An opening, having a mouth portion 410 and seam portion 412 exists at an intersection of the two hinged side sections 406, 408.

In one embodiment, the body section 402 comprises protruding hinges 414, 416 along the intersections between the base 404 and each of the hinged side sections 406, 408. The protruding hinges 414, 416 provide an axis by which each of the hinged side sections 406, 408 rotate about the base section 404. Furthermore, the protruding hinges 414, 416 provide a means for preventing the plastic dispenser apparatus 400 from freely rolling or rotating. For example, when placed on a shelf or in a drawer, a substantially cylindrical plastic dispenser apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, will not be able to readily roll around or move because protruding hinges are positioned to allow minimal rotation of the plastic dispenser apparatus. In one embodiment, the plastic dispenser apparatus 400 comprises a single deformable piece of plastic, wherein the hinges 414, 416 are living hinges (i.e., formed by changing the density, material thickness, or the like, to achieve desired material properties along the hinge).

Optionally, several embodiments of the present invention may be fitted with a sealing means to controllably seal and open the plastic dispenser apparatus. In one embodiment, a sealing means may be snap-fitting plastic knobs, clips, or the like. Other embodiments comprise any known sealing means suitable for embodiments of the present invention. By providing controllable sealing means to an embodiment of the present invention, a user may be able to readily access the interior of the plastic dispenser apparatus to refill or remove any product.

Other alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise a single piece of deformable molded plastic having at least one open end. In one embodiment, a separable end cap is used to seal the plastic dispenser apparatus. It is conceivable that end caps are used on both ends of the plastic dispenser apparatus, where an embodiment provides two open ends. The end caps may be threaded to align with threads on the body of the plastic dispenser apparatus.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a plastic dispenser apparatus may be substantially cylindrical or tubular. In one embodiment, a tubular body is provided having open first and second ends and separable end caps. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise an attachment means for attaching to a wall or table. In such embodiments, attachments may be fixed to an outer surface of the body of the plastic dispenser apparatus.

Various embodiments of the present invention may be advantageous and desirable for at least one or more of the following reasons. Several embodiments of the present invention may be made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other polymer or metal material. For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or blends or copolymers thereof may be utilized. Several embodiments of the present invention provide a compact and space saving plastic dispenser apparatus, so it is easy to store. Similarly, several embodiments of the present invention are substantially ergonomic, and easy to hold in one hand.

Several embodiments of the present invention provide a cylindrical-shape clam-shell design. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally flexible enough to squeeze. Several embodiments of the present invention may be provided with a “flat spot” to prevent rolling around in drawers. Several embodiments of the present invention may stand up on end for consumer storage and merchandising on retailer's shelf. Several embodiments of the present invention provide for dispensing that is easy to use.

Furthermore, several embodiments of the present invention provide simple opening access compared to boxes that are typically hard to open or tear when it is opened. Several embodiments of the present invention provide an opening that is long enough (i.e., an opening length may be the length of folded product). Several embodiments of the present invention typically allow about two average human fingers to reach in to pull out products. Several embodiments of the present invention provide for easy separation of products as they are pulled out. Several embodiments of the present invention supply only one product at a time, if desired.

Several embodiments of the present invention provide indication when product supply is running low, as the dispenser may be clear plastic. Several embodiments of the present invention present a neat and tidy appearance. Several embodiments of the present invention may be usable in multiple locations, such as a kitchen, laundry, or shop. Several embodiments of the present invention provide that fresh product, for example, bags, are close to where a user would need them. Several embodiments of the present invention keep out debris, and the product stays clean.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. 

1. An apparatus for dispensing plastic bags comprising: a substantially tubular body having at least a first panel and a second panel, each rotatably connected to a base panel along parallel edges; an inner cavity defined by an inner surface of the substantially tubular body; and an aperture defined by an intersection between the first panel and second panel, opposing the base panel.
 2. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, wherein the plastic dispensing apparatus comprises a transparent polymer.
 3. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 2, wherein the plastic dispensing apparatus comprises at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or blends or copolymers thereof.
 4. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, wherein the aperture is longitudinally centered along the intersection between the first panel and second panel.
 5. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 4, wherein the aperture is sized to accommodate the dispensing of a standard roll of plastic bags.
 6. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, wherein the aperture is substantially in the shape of at least one of a circle, oval, or rectangle.
 7. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body is enclosed on a first end via extruded portions of the first panel, second panel and base panel, whereby each of the extruded portions extend axially perpendicular toward an axis passing through the substantially tubular body.
 8. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body is ergonomically shaped.
 9. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, further comprising a contoured edge substantially surrounding the aperture.
 10. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 9, wherein the contoured edge is at least one of flared, rounded, flat, hemmed, or pointed.
 11. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, further comprising a means for preventing rolling.
 12. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 11, wherein the means for preventing rolling is incorporated into at least one of the rotatably connected parallel edges of the first and second panels.
 13. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 1, further comprising a sealing means for attaching the first panel to the second panel.
 14. A plastic dispensing apparatus comprising: a base panel; at least first and second side panels, each having a substantially linear edge and a substantially nonlinear edge and each rotatably connected to the base panel along the respective substantially linear edges; a fastening mechanism for securing the first side panel to the second side panel along at least a section of the substantially nonlinear edges of each panel; and an aperture created at the junction of the substantially nonlinear edges of the first side panel and the nonlinear edge of the second side panel.
 15. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second side panels are connected to the base panel via respective living hinges.
 16. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a means for preventing rolling.
 17. The apparatus for dispensing plastic bags of claim 16, wherein the means for preventing rolling comprises a living hinge situated along at least one of the first and second side panels are connected to the base panel.
 18. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a male component and a female component which engage to form a mating connector.
 19. A plastic dispensing apparatus comprising: a deformable, molded, unitarily constructed, substantially cylindrical body; an aperture having a mouth portion and a seam portion, connecting an inner cavity of the substantially cylindrical body to an outer surface; and a means for preventing rolling, protruding from the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical body.
 20. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the seam portion of the aperture extends along the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical body, from a first end of the plastic dispensing apparatus to a second end, along an axis parallel to a center axis of the substantially cylindrical body.
 21. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the mouth portion of the aperture is positioned in a central location along the seam portion.
 22. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the aperture comprises a substantially flared edge.
 23. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 22, wherein the substantially flared edge creates a clam-shell appearance.
 24. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the substantially cylindrical body comprises at least three panels.
 25. The plastic dispensing apparatus of claim 24, wherein a means for preventing rolling comprises a living hinge between at least two of the panels of the substantially cylindrical body. 